Is this milk safe to use (sterilisation question)

[Peaplant20]

So annoyed at myself! Managed to pump 120mls (the most I’ve ever pumped) today and was so excited! However I then accidentally poured it into a bottle which had been washed in warm water but not steriliser. I realised what I’d done and then poured it into a sterilised bottle so it was probably in the unsterilised bottle for 1-2 minutes and I hadn’t screwed the lid on. My baby was born at 34+5 and is only 3 weeks and 4 days old so don’t want to risk it if it’s not safe. What would you do?

No idea on this one sorry. Perhaps if you post on infant feeding section or call one of the BFing Helplines you'll get an answer.

I think it will be fine. I also expressed for my baby as well as boob feeding. If you think of it, are your nipples always sterile? I’m sure half the time I was rolling around in bed then would shove a nipple in - definitely not as clean as a freshly washed bottle!

Having said that - if you have a preemie you may feel extra cautious. Why not freeze this milk then give it to her when she’s a bit bigger and you’re more confident with her?

And well done for pumping so much - that’s a great amount! Definitely don’t waste it.

Adult children here.I used to make all the bottles the night before. My lads are absolutely fine x

My gut feeling is it would be fine. However if you asked for advise elsewhere to cover their own arses they'd probably say throw it away

I think it'll be fine. Expressed milk lasts longer out there fridge and I believe is less high risk than formula. I wouldn't want to waste it either. If you want to wait until your little one is a bit older then as PP said freeze it for a while.

I don't sterilise bottles for my expressed milk! Le leche league say:

Cleanliness
Good hygiene is important when storing your milk. Reduce the risk of contaminating your milk by:

Washing hands before expressing or handling milk
Keeping your pump clean, using hot soapy water for all parts which come into contact with your milk. Some mothers sterilize as well.

Like a pp said, my body isn't sterile so can't see the difference! My midwife also said to sterilise for first use then just hot soapy water. Not sure with prem babies though.

I remember spilling a bottle after pumping and just sobbing..so I can imagine how gutting this must feel.

If reluctantly throw it away just to be safe :(

Sorry missed the bit about bottles!

"Breastmilk’s antibacterial properties help it stay fresh. The live cells and antibodies that discourage the growth of bacteria in your baby’s intestines also guard against bacterial growth when your milk is stored in a container.
Wash containers in hot, soapy water, rinse well, and allow to air-dry before use. Or wash and dry in a dishwasher"

More info:

www.laleche.org.uk/storing-your-milk/

Don’t throw it away! Frozen expressed milk lasts for ages. Give it to her in a few months when she’s rolling around licking the carpet, no need to sterilise anything then!

Great shout @TuesdayRuby or when adding to food so it gets cooked out anyway